Real Madrid ready for world record bid – Arsenal’s fears become reality
Real Madrid are planning to make William Saliba the most expensive centre-back in history, with a planned bid of €100 million for the Arsenal star.
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According to Fichajes, Florentino Pérez, president of the Spanish champions, has been captivated by the French international. This after Saliba impressed all over the pitch in Tuesday’s Champions League meeting between the teams, where Arsenal won convincingly 3-0.
With this bid, Real Madrid will surpass the €90 million Manchester City paid for Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.
Saliba: Madrid’s new crush
The 24-year-old has an estimated market value of 80 million euros. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reveals that Real Madrid see him as “the Jude Bellingham of defence”. The club is obsessed with the idea of signing Saint-Étienne-educated Saliba, who Arsenal signed in 2019.
After Tuesday’s game, Pérez is convinced that they must act. While Saliba kept Madrid’s star players Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo and Bellingham at bay, the Spanish defence showed alarming weaknesses. Especially the veterans David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger seemed finished playing at the top level.
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The ideal solution
“Saliba represents the ideal profile: young, impressive, with tactical intelligence, moderate aggressiveness and ability to play out at the back – perfect for Ancelotti’s style of play,” writes Fichajes.
This is not a hasty decision. The Frenchman is seen as a potential leader of Real Madrid’s defence for the next ten years.
Difficult negotiation awaits
However, Arsenal will not let go of their star without a fight. Saliba’s contract runs until 2027, and the club is planning an extension. The Gunners are likely to demand a nine-figure transfer fee – which would set a record for a centre-back.
